Veteran Planning

While many people are unaware it exists, the Veterans Administration (VA) Aid & Attendance Special Pension provides financial aid to wartime veterans, and surviving spouses of deceased veterans, who need steady personal assistance. Qualifying aid or assistance can be provided at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home. If you or your loved one meets the requirements, the Aid & Assistance Pension Benefit could provide thousands of dollars each year to meet medical costs and provide necessary care.

Am I Eligible?

You must fulfill at least ONE of the medical requirements and ALL of the service and financial requirements to be eligible for the Aid & Attendance Pension.

Medical Requirement:

The Veteran requires the aid & attendance of another person in order to perform personal functions; OR

The Veteran is bedridden; OR

The Veteran is in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity; OR

The Veteran is blind or nearly blind

Service Requirements:

The Veteran must have served at least 90 days of active service;

The Veteran cannot have a dishonorable discharge from service;

The Veteran must have at least one day of service during a wartime period:

World War II

December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946

Korean Conflict

June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955

Vietnam War

August 5, 1964 (Feb. 28, 1961, for Veterans who served “in country” before Aug. 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975

Persian Gulf War

August 2, 1990, through date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law.

Financial Requirements:

Eligible Veterans or Surviving Spouses have monthly income that is less than the amount of their un-reimbursed medical expenses.

There is no formal asset limit for the Aid & Attendance Pension. However, the Veterans Administration will apply a complicated calculation to determine whether the applicant has excess assets.

What Benefits Can I Get?

If you are eligible, you may be able to receive a monthly pension of up to: (costs from brochure)

$2,126/month for a Married Veteran

$1,794/month for a Single Veteran

$1,153/month for a Widowed Spouse

This pension can be used to pay for many different typing of long-term care, including payment of family caregivers.